Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- “The Consolidated News” was a newsletter that was published weekly during World War II. The majority of the newsletters in this collection are from the San Diego Division, and most of the newsletters are bound together in four hard cover albums.
- Extent:
- .8 Cubic Feet This is a two box collection, both with measurements 18 x 13 ¼ x 3 inches. There are over 200 issues of “The Consolidated News.”
- Language:
- English
Background
- Biographical / historical:
-
Consolidated Aircraft Corporation was founded in 1923 by Major Reuben H. Fleet. In 1935, Consolidated relocated to San Diego due to favorable weather conditions, proximity to North Island NAS, and generous financial agreements. Almost a decade after Consolidated began producing aircraft in San Diego, Consolidated merged with Vultee Aircraft Corporation to form Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corporation (informally known as CVAC or Convair) in March 1943. General Dynamics purchased a majority interest, formally renaming the division as Convair in 1954 and it continued to produce aircraft and components until General Dynamics began divesting itself of its aircraft and spacecraft divisions in the mid-nineties.
Consolidated become one of the largest civilian employers in San Diego, with employment peaking during World War II. Employment peaked in 1943 around 40,000 employees, of which forty percent were women. Consolidated/Convair was responsible for producing several thousand aircraft for the war effort – some being regarded as significant aircraft in aerospace history – including the PBY Catalina and the B-24 Liberator.
Despite the merger of Consolidated Aircraft Corporation and Vultee Aircraft Corporation, the weekly Consolidated publication maintained the title “The Consolidated News.” The only change was the line below the title, formerly printed as “Consolidated Aircraft Corporation” then became “Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corporation.” The newsletters was printed for the San Diego manufacturing plants, and it was distributed to announce events, spread propaganda, update employees on the war effort, provide encouragement, and drive the workers to work harder.
- Physical description:
- Description: This is a two box collection, both with measurements 18 x 13 ¼ x 3 inches. There are over 200 issues of “The Consolidated News.”
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Terms of access:
-
The collection is open to research by appointment.
- Location of this collection:
-
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa ParkSan Diego, CA 92101, US
- Contact:
- (619) 234-8291